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Judge Upholds Indiana Voucher Law

Last updated on Thursday, January 19, 2012

(INDIANAPOLIS) - A judge upheld Indiana’s school voucher law on Janaury 13, ruling against arguments that the Choice Scholarship Program enacted by the 2011 Indiana General Assembly uses public money to support religion.

Marion County Superior Court Judge Michael Keele said the program doesn't violate the state constitution because the state isn't directly funding parochial schools since the scholarship vouchers are given to parents who can choose at what schools to use them.

About 4,000 children are enrolled in the Indiana program making it the nation's largest program.

Indiana State Teachers Association President Nate Schnellenberger said that the opponents will keep fighting the law. ISTA has backed the lawsuit brought by teachers, parents and religious leaders.

"The ruling from the judge does not shake our confidence and it will be appealed," Schnellenberger said.

The ruling also dismissed arguments that the program unconstitutionally took funds from public schools and sent the money to private schools.

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